World number one Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury. The 20-year-old has been in remarkable form of late –– winning four titles in a row and currently riding a 23 match winning streak. Swiatek was the overwhelming favourite to win again in Madrid this week but has now revealed that her “body needs rest” ahead of the French Open next month. 

Swiatek cites fatigue after incredible run

In a statement on Twitter, Swiatek stressed that it’s time for her to take a rest, but that she hopes to be back in time to play in Rome. 

“After [an] intense last [few] weeks and winning four titles in a row, it’s time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven’t had a chance to handle it properly. 

“I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that’s why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open. 

“My body needs rest. I’m going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris. See you [there] soon. Hopefully, I will play in Madrid many times in the future –– [I’m] looking forward to it.” 

Who will win the Madrid Open?

Given Swiatek’s absence, there are now a number of players in contention to win the prestigious Madrid title. 

Spain’s Paula Badosa is the top seed and will no doubt have the crowd on her side. The 24-year-old claimed her first WTA 1000 title at Indian Wells last year and is a more than accomplished player on clay. 

Meanwhile, reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka is seeded third. The Belarusian struggled for consistency at the start of the season but arrives in Madrid on the back of reaching the final in Stuttgart last week. 

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays Jasmine Paolini of Italy during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2022 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Greece’s Maria Sakkari is another player with a strong chance. The fourth seed beat Swiatek at the French Open last year, though she has lost her last two matches. 

US Open champion Emma Raducanu is also set to play. The Brit made the quarter-finals in her first-ever clay-court event in Stuttgart last week.

Raducanu faces Czech star Tereza Martincova in the opening round –– a player she beat in the Billie Jean King Cup for Great Britain a matter of weeks ago. 

When does the tournament start?

The official main draw starts on April 28th, with the final set to take place on May 8th. 

Qualifying has already started, with former British number one Heather Watson scheduled to face Varvara Gracheva on Wednesday.